The friendliest countries in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards
The survey for the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise lines, travel fixers and more.
They say you can travel the world and never find anywhere as welcoming as home, but we don't quite think that's true. From the ever-beaming people of Ireland to the famously open-armed population of New Zealand, our planet is home to some seriously friendly countries, ready to share their love for their country with you. So, once again, we asked our readers to vote for the countries they consider home to the friendliest people in our 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. This is how you voted – counting backwards from nine to one.
Getty Images9. Ireland. Score 94.50
With Ireland topping the poll as the most friendly city in Europe and Dublin making the list for the friendliest city in Europe and the entire world, it's clear that the Irish are a genuinely welcoming bunch. And if the people weren't enough of a draw, there's the legendary convivial atmosphere of Dublin and its buzzing breweries. But it's not just the cities that are worth a visit; dubbed the Emerald Isle thanks to its splendid landscape, there's a wealth of natural beauty to discover, including the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim and the dramatic views from the Cliffs of Moher in the south.
Getty Images8. Tanzania. Score 94.81
It is still possible to immerse yourself in true wilderness in Tanzania. Well known as an unbeatable safari destination, not only do you get a front-row seat to watch the inhabitants of the Serengeti’s open plains going about their daily business, but there's also the wonders of the Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and one of the most photographed in the world thanks to its striking profile. Although you might not see many people if you're camping out under the stars, those you do will be welcoming and happy to have you visiting.
Getty Images7. New Zealand. Score 95.16
New Zealanders are famed the world over for a laidback, positive attitude. The Indigenous people of this land, known as Māori, have called the island home for some 700 years. The idea of manaakitanga – a sign of mutual respect and care for others' wellbeing – is essential here.
Getty Images6. Lebanon. Score 95.26
Lebanon is a resilient place with a strong and kind spirit. A relatively small country, nothing is more than a two-hour drive from Beirut. The city itself is full of inventive locals helping revive the vibrant urban scene with new hoteliers, artists and designers helping welcome back visitors.
Getty Images5. Cambodia. Score 95.56
If you want to see some of the most spectacular sites in southeast Asia, you need to pay a visit to Cambodia. Watch dawn break over the temples of Angkor, discover the immaculate beaches and explore the laidback, friendly capital, Phnom Penh and the authentic traditions of the smaller villages.
Getty Images4. Botswana. Score 95.65
Botswana's communities never shy away from being proud of their culture, and open communication is an important part of it. Spread across the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, game reserves and safaris are big business here, with open jeep tours treating visitors to fossilised river valleys and rippling grasslands, as well as a wide variety of species, from giraffes to hyenas.
Getty Images3. Namibia. Score 95.76
Set on the southwest edge of southern Africa, Namibia is one of the continent's most popular destinations, where affordable stays sit alongside luxury lodges. Outside the cities, there's stunning nature and wildlife aplenty, but the capital Windhoek is also well worth a trip thanks to its great food and relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Getty Images2. Fiji. Score 96.57
Fiji is notorious for its generous hospitality - often called one of the world's most friendly islands, the air is full of people saying ‘bula!’ (meaning hello and also life) to everyone, even passing strangers. Made up of over 300 islands in the South Pacific, there are fragile and gorgeous coral reefs, dense patches of jungle, stunning mountains, remote yet friendly villages and lots and lots of tongue-numbing kava to drink.
Getty Images1. Dominica. Score 96.59.
Dominica is a welcoming island with so much more to offer than the Caribbean cliché of just lying on the beach all day. It's easy to see why this it's often called ‘Nature Island’ thanks to its ancient rainforests, flawless beaches, hot springs, dramatic coastline and colourful hamlets. This is a place for truly exploring, from the commercial capital of Roseau to the mountainside villages like Scotts Head.